When you first bring your new gerbils home, they are likely to feel stressed by the transition to an unfamiliar environment. They may be away from their littermates for the first time and will be inundated with strange sounds and smells.

It can be tempting to acquire a gerbil on impulse. After all, these little guys are the picture of cuteness: small, furry and inquisitive. Watching a gerbil nibble a sunflower seed or give a friendly wink might make you throw caution to the wind.

Think of your gerbils as intrepid explorers armed with a strong pair of hind legs and a sturdy set of incisors. These rodents are born to dig, jump and chew, and their housing must meet these challenges. Aquariums fit the bill well, offering better safety features, escape deterrents and overall tidiness as compared to wire cages and plastic modular habitats.